Sarmizegetusa Regia, Hunedoara County

Sarmizegetusa Regia, also Sarmisegetusa, Sarmisegethusa, Sarmisegethuza, Ζαρμιζεγεθούσα (Zarmizegethoúsa) or Ζερμιζεγεθούση (Zermizegethoúsē), was the capital and the most important military, religious and political centre of the Dacians prior to the wars with the Roman Empire. Erected on top of a 1200 m high mountain, the fortress, comprising six citadels, was the core of a strategic defensive system in the Orăştie Mountains (in present-day Romania).

Sarmizegetusa Regia should not be confused with Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa, the Roman capital of Dacia built by Roman Emperor Trajan some 40 km away, which was not the Dacian capital. Sarmizegetusa Ulpia was discovered earlier, was known already in the early 1900s, and was initially mistaken for the Dacian capital, a confusion which led to incorrect conclusions being made regarding the military history and organization of the Dacians.

Sarmizegetusa Regia Reviews

Wish they had guides to explain of answer questions, but they have explanations displayed in English and Romanian.
Great place to visit, important to understand the continuity of Romanian (Dacians...
more »

By Calin V

Exiting straight from the ancient history lesson. Clean, well managed site. Some people could probably feel the energy the temples resonate. Not for ordinary tourists looking for a musem but for...
more »

One of the few well preserved monuments in Romania from 2000 years ago. There are diggings still ongoing. The way up the mountain takes a while after leaving the parking area. There are public toilets and a small spring with drinkable fresh water. Pack some food though.

more less

By Cosmin Stamate

Had a surreal feeling visiting this ancient site. The location in the forest is great and helps keeping you cool on a hot summer day. Worth visiting!